A rare Beatles album, Eddie Van Halen’s guitar, and a $150,000 Birkin Bag: Check out this week's auction block roundup
Each week Quartz highlights the upcoming and ongoing sales at auction houses across the world. Among the items available are works of art, historical artifacts and pop culture memorabilia that you won’t want to miss out on. While some of these objects go for millions, others are simultaneously affordable and unforgettable.
You can read previous weeks’ roundups here and here.
Continue reading to see the ten most fascinating objects being sold at auction this week.
Sotheby’s: The Beatles Butcher cover
Copies of the Beatles’ infamous “butcher cover” albums are among the most coveted items in the world of classic rock collections. The album’s artwork, which features the band covered in blood and gore, was intended for their 1966 American album “Yesterday and Today.”
Eventually it was determined that artwork would offend listeners – but not before 750,000 copies of the album were printed and 60,000 were distributed. This sealed record comes from the personal collection of Alan Livingston, the then-president of Capitol Records. It is worth an estimated $78,564 and will be available at Sotheby’s Popular Culture auction through September 12.
Sotheby’s: John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s protest memorabilia
This collection of archival material – including handwritten letters, photographs, and handwritten responses to fan questions – documents John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s famous “Bed In for Peace” protests, during their Amsterdam honeymoon. Worth an estimated $117,846, the collection will be available at Sotheby’s Popular Culture auction through September 12.
Sotheby’s: Signed Miles Davis painting
This painting, by American jazz legend Miles Davis, was originally gifted to the co-organizer of the 9th International Jazz Festival in Granada, 1988. The painting is now being auctioned to benefit the charity Think Equal which advocates for education and an end to violence. Worth an estimated $23,569, the painting will be available at Sotheby’s Popular Culture auction through September 12.
Sotheby’s: Jimi Hendrix’s handwritten lyrics
The original handwritten lyrics to the Jimi Hendrix song “Straight Ahead” reveal that the musician originally envisioned a song that explicitly addressed race and racism. While the final, posthumously released track has significant lyrical differences, these papers give insight into the musician’s writing process and ideas. Worth an estimated $91,542, the handwritten lyrics will be available at Sotheby’s Popular Culture auction through September 12.
Christie’s: Himalaya Birkin
This rare matte white Birkin bag, with palladium hardware, is an especially rare variant of the already coveted handbag. Worth an estimated $150,000, the bag is available at the Christie’s Handbags Online auction through September 18.
Christie’s: Flawless diamond earrings
These Boucheron diamond cluster earrings showcase impeccable gemstones – with seven of the eight diamonds graded as having internally flawless clarity. The earrings are set in 18 karat yellow gold and weigh 15.2 grams. Worth an estimated $550,000, the earrings are available at the Christie’s Jewels Online auction through September 11.
Read the Quartz Comprehensive Guide to Buying a Diamond Ring here.
Sotheby’s: Eddie Van Halen’s guitar
One of the greatest guitarists in history, Eddie Van Halen was known for customizing his instruments to ensure the highest quality musicianship on stage. This particular guitar was a backup instrument that Van Halen played on stage on September 6, 1981. Worth an estimated $65,382, the guitar will be available at Sotheby’s Popular Culture auction through September 12.
Sotheby’s: Macallan 60 Year Old in Lalique, Six Pillars, Fourth Edition
First released in 2011, only 400 bottles of this Macallan single malt scotch whisky were ever made. The liquor – sold in a beautiful art deco bottle – is valued between $55,000 and $70,000 and will be available through September 12.
Read more about the most expensive liquor ever sold at auction here.
Christie’s: Letter from Albert Einstein warning FDR about Germany
This 1939 letter from Albert Einstein to President Franklin D. Roosevelt presents a chilling snapshot into World War II-era Germany. In the letter – which was a first draft and not sent to the president – Einstein warns that Germany might have the capacity to develop a nuclear weapon. A longer, more detailed warning was sent to the president and remains in Franklin D. Roosevelt Library at Hyde Park, New York. Bidding begins on the letter, valued between $400,000 and $600,000, on September 10.
Sotheby’s: Freddie Mercury’s leather jacket
This Jean Paul Gaultier studded-leather jacket was worn by Freddie Mercury during his final live singing performance at London’s Dominion Theatre on April 14, 1988. The jacket was valued between $26,181 and $39,271 but bidding has already exceeded the initial valuation. It will be available at Sotheby’s Popular Culture auction through September 12.